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Japan revises law to ban parents from physically punishing children

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I guess government can fix everything? Good grief...

5 ( +9 / -4 )

Though there are no penalties for offenders

This is scandalous and it just shows that Japan does not want to enter the modern world and wants to stay a primitive society.

Violence against children is awful and barbarian, therefore it's not only unacceptable in a civilized society, it's punishable by law.

4 ( +12 / -8 )

there are no penalties for offenders

So, this is purely a law aimed at making the gov't look like their doing something?? What a joke!

13 ( +17 / -4 )

No penalties for offenders, so the law is an ass.

9 ( +10 / -1 )

As I mentioned before, I got my share, and I would call it a valuable experience reflecting on those days.

I agree I got my fair share on slaps and smacks, it was never abusive or violent and I certainly don't have any ill feeling towards my mother because of it, actually the opposite as I was a little bratt when I think back, and I most definitely learnt disciple and control because of it.

4 ( +13 / -9 )

I got my share, and I would call it a valuable experience reflecting on those days.

Me too, and stupidly followed the example set by my elders. Wish I had never tried the "strict" parenting model as my anger would escalate and so would the minor taps. Not proud of it and stopped when my son was about 10 but adults lose something when kids act through fear. It builds walls and mistrust in many cases, mine included. Well done Japan.

8 ( +14 / -6 )

This law pays lip service to child abuse.

Parents are in charge of their children, not the govt.

The social services agencies have dropped the ball on many high-profile

cases that resulted in deaths, so they compensate with this turkey of a law?

Abuse and discipline are not the same thing, and making this law clearly illustrates

the govt. doesn't grasp the distinction.

0 ( +8 / -8 )

Though there are no penalties for offenders, the revised abuse prevention mild suggestion...

There, fixed it

0 ( +0 / -0 )

As soon as The Children's Act came into force in the UK in 1989, children turned around to teachers and parents and said 'touch me and I'll sue you'. Kids knew their rights straightaway. Suddenly, all the power was with them. I remember being at school and seeing students say: 'you can't touch me miss, if you do, I'll sue you'. Only last week, I saw a 13 year old school girl call a shop assistant a 'c**t' knowing full well that a) he can't do anything (he can't even touch her to move her out of the shop as that's assault and b) no one in the general public will do anything either. If we get involved we get arrested. So what do we do, we all back off and let the monster grow. I grew up with an Irish mum. Sometimes I needed a slap, and when I did, I got one and learned my lesson. However, if I had the law on my side back then and got a slap, being the horrible teenager I was, I would have called the police and had her arrested. Kids can be horrible (I speak from experience :) and giving them full power is a bad idea. I'm glad I grew up when I did. I blame a lot of today's problems on giving the power over to the child to be honest. Anyway, it is what it is and I need to feed two London foxes.

3 ( +12 / -9 )

@San Miguel

Well said.

Prosecute violent, harsh and abusive discipline done in anger that causes obvious physical harm. Encourage non corporal forms of discipline as much as possible. But, allow moderate slaps on the hand and bottom that hurt very temporarily and get the point across. Some kids, younger ones especially, just won't behave otherwise.

Don't overreact and throw the baby out with the bathwater.

1 ( +8 / -7 )

"The state declared that violence is not allowed for discipline," said Kazuhiko Abe, professor of child welfare at Seinan Gakuin University. But he pointed to the need for education of parents on how to discipline children without resorting to physical punishment.

The key is to never do ANY discipline out of anger. Period.

10 ( +10 / -0 )

But do they enforce it? I've seen mothers punching their kids on the train in the past.

9 ( +10 / -1 )

This is a difficult situation to think about and act on.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Really good decision by the Diet. It is simply unforgivable to strike a child. Discipline ONLY with words not violence.

-3 ( +4 / -7 )

Is this another case of Japanese people being told what to do? Do they really need a law to make people stop beating their kids? Just think about that for a second. What is wrong with a society that needs a law to make people stop beating their kids?

Discipline is discipline. Abuse is abuse. They are never one in the same. Even yelling at kids is abuse. It's an abuse of the privilege of being a parent.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

Physical violence ("corporal punishment") creates frightened and often violent individuals. The pain lasts a lifetime. In my view anyone who supports corporal punishment is in some way perverted.

There are Japanese parents who actually encourage teachers to beat on their students so the study harder.

This new law may not have teeth yet, but it is a good law.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Wish I had never tried the "strict" parenting model as my anger would escalate and so would the minor taps.

nothing strict about a smack or slap on the hand/bottom, Ive been angry at my sons when theyve defied me but at no time have I lost control or every use excessive force when disciplining my children, nearly all has been verbal. while Ive rarely had to smack them the option was still there. its not for everybody and certainly not for partents with anger or self control issues. Never have never will abuse my children but I would go to extremes to protect them if it ever came down to it, which it hasnt and probably never will. Lack of discipline/respect in children is just as damaging as abusing them.

1 ( +7 / -6 )

"Though there are no penalties for offenders, the revised abuse prevention law states that parents, foster parents and heads of child welfare centers are banned from physically punishing children while attempting to discipline them."

Only in Japan.

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

wtfjapan - nothing strict about a smack or slap on the hand/bottom

Wtf Japan indeed! A ‘real’ parent should never hit their kid/s for any reason. How can you complain about child abuse, but openly admit you smack your children too? That’s just crazy! Or, are you implying it is how hard you hit your kids that makes it abuse? Do you have a power meter to measure it? What is the scale? It is true that chimpanzees can be cruel to their children. I guess many humans have yet to evolve past that stage. The only reason any parent would hit their kid is to inflict pain and intimidate them, which is a bully or a thug by definition. If your emotional maturity and intelligence are such that the only way you can discipline your kids is such that you must inflict pain on them, I only feel empathy for your kids. Try loving and respecting them. It works much better.

-5 ( +4 / -9 )

more idiotism, i got no kids or work with any but it will be def interesting to see incarcerated parents for not buying toys and so on... because its gonna be child word against parent...

yes some parents are horrible and abusive ,but thats job for agencies to monitor- instead - introduce severe punishment to these agents and police on overlooked cases because in almost each case it was reported and overlooked.

It is not gov job to police family business.

i certainly hope not to live to see that spoiled generation becoming adults....

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

Way to go Japan! Blame parents whilst ignoring incompetent welfare and police!

5 ( +6 / -1 )

Form:

Though there are no penalties for offenders,

over substance:

removal of the child and a couple days in jail for the abuser, at the least.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Way to go Japan! Blame parents whilst ignoring incompetent welfare and police!

It's exactly because the government listened to parents instead of ignoring them that multiple children have died torturous deaths.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

yes some parents are horrible and abusive ,but thats job for agencies to monitor- instead - introduce severe punishment to these agents and police on overlooked cases because in almost each case it was reported and overlooked.

It is not gov job to police family business.

These are contradictory statements because the government is the agaencies.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Some may not have 'ill feeling' towards their parents for being hit but some may have. That being a fact, it is the right move. Hitting is for those who can't think of the right words to say.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Stupid law, as simple as that.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Is it even a law with no penalties at all? Lost in translation?

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Really good decision by the Diet. It is simply unforgivable to strike a child. Discipline ONLY with words not violence.

I disagree. It would depend, case by case and depends on the parent and what works for them, you should never beat a child into submission or abuse it, but a slap, or a spanking if that is called for and it is ok with the parents of the child, it should be used, but no one has the right to tell others how they should raise their children.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

The Government unfortunately thinks it has the right no matter if it is wrong.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Wjile myself, as many of the people commenting here, received my "share" of safe discipline back in the days, we have to understand that the line between breaking an arm and slap on the wrist, is not clear for everyone.

This is because I support the law and applaud it.

After all, at this point humanity knows better (at least in developed countries).

2 ( +3 / -1 )

If you're a smart crafty kid, you couldl blackmail your Parents by saying that you'll tell your Teacher that you're getting hit at home... what will happen next ? Police come around, then you end up with a Criminal record lessening your chances of Employment or even having you kicked out of the Country ?

I think Japan has better things to focus upon at present, such as the swelling numbers in its detention centers and the deaths there - than trying to criminalize parenthood.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

we have to understand that the line between breaking an arm and slap on the wrist, is not clear for everyone.

thats what many cant accept, a slap on the wrist or bottom isnt about the pain which there is very little, it about the shock and remembering that their bad behaviour have repercussions. My kids are well behaved,most of the time , and I havent had to smack them for years. They dont have any mental scars they dont cower away from me in fear. Now it just takes a stern look to know dad isnt happy that fixes their behavior almost 100% of the time. Most of my family brother and sisters have been brought up a similar way, we all run our own successful businesses, respect and love our parents even if they smacked us, have never been arrested or taken or even used hard drugs (I dont even smoke or drink). My siblings have traveled the world solo , have strong opinions and aren't afraid to voice them if the need arises. See smacking isnt the evil many seem to think it is. Our parents must have done something right in our upbringing

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

 but no one has the right to tell others how they should raise their children.

well thats refreshing that I can actually agree with you on something lol

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Emotional abuse isn't even on the table for discussion. Highly damaging verbal abuse and public shaming is not addressed. Nor is giving people who choose to have children and training in parenting skills. Those are not biological. Methods such as those used successfully by Norland Nannies need to be taught to all people as part of their education.

Along with prenatal and birthing classes that are quite commonplace these days (but weren't even 50 years ago), education concerning the best methods in raising that child after it's born should be mandatory.

People get more training in how to drive a car than they do in strategies for raising emotionally healthy and well-adjusted children. Of course, the parents didn't necessarily get what they needed in their childhood. The suffering and indignities will be passed along as that's all they know.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Though there are no penalties for offenders

4 ( +4 / -0 )

I didn't read the updated version as all that bad, like the last attempt. This seems more moderated.

Punishment is a different thing than "correction" for misconduct. At least it is in my interpretation.

With no punishment, but still a law trying to handle abuse, this gives neighbors, teachers, and govt representatives the ability to look closer and step in if real abuse is happening. Seems like a good step, unless the govt abuses this power.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

People should just stop killing their kids and we won't have this problem. Government can't prevent people from killing their kids.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Spare the rod, spoil the child.

Been that way for millenia.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

I believe in a spank or slap on the wrist where appropriate. But first, standards must be set, and expectations must be explained to the child. I have only had to spank my child but twice in her life (she is an adult now). Both times she did not abide by the number one rule in our house... and that is children do not hit, kick or strike at their parents. Now for those of you who would simply put your child on time out... or count to three.... That's your decision. But personally I believe it is the wrong decision and could lead to bigger problems in the future. But law or no law I for one will not stand for it.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

my kid deserves a spank now. brb

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

So pretty much they want them more spoiled then they already are.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

If you are lucky to have never agressive kids, fine no smack to ever be needed.

Have a kid who hits others for fun, he/she may not understand if not feeling anything in return. And we are talking about asimple smack on bottom. Truing to explain grhough words may not work for some.

My last one never has smak on bottom. First two did. Never complained.

Change law for when kids get hurt, not just punished

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

It would depend, case by case and depends on the parent and what works for them, you should never beat a child into submission or abuse it

It's inexcusable to refer to another human being as "it."

1 ( +2 / -1 )

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